Sip, Sample, and Self-Pour: Divebar Redefines Cocktail Culture in Mid-Beach

Source: Hotel Continental

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

July 6th, 2025 – Miami’s Mid-Beach district has no shortage of cocktail dens, but Divebar is not playing by the usual rules. Tucked inside the newly renovated Hotel Continental, this self-styled “retro-chic” cocktail lounge is reimagining the art of the pour—swapping out bartenders for RFID-powered taps and classic cocktails for interactive sipping sessions. The result? A lively hybrid of old-school ambiance and next-generation mixology that hits the sweet spot between casual and curated.

At the heart of the experience is Divebar’s self-pour beverage wall, a standout attraction that lets guests sample craft cocktails, select wines, and local beers by the ounce. It’s powered by RFID technology, turning each tasting into a hands-on journey—no lines, no guesswork, just clean design and personal discovery. Four custom cocktail taps anchor the system, each batch-crafted with premium spirits and fresh ingredients.

Forget the overbuilt drinks and scripted menu routines. At Divebar, the cocktails practically pour themselves—literally. The Easy Breezy, featuring Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose, cranberry juice, and grapefruit sour, is crisp and citrus-forward, ideal for a poolside afternoon. For something herbal and cool, the Cucumber Cooler blends Hendrick’s gin with Carpano Bianco, lime, and cucumber sour for a refreshing, garden-inspired sip.

Those seeking spice won’t want to miss the Jalapeño Margarita, shaken with Lalo Tequila, jalapeño lime sour, and fresh lime for just the right amount of heat. And the Coconut Old-Fashioned, built with Coconut Cartel rum, spiced brown sugar syrup, and dual bitters, delivers a tropical spin on a speakeasy staple.

The beverage wall also houses three rotating wine taps, pouring everything from Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon to Matua Sauvignon Blanc and Day Owl Rosé. Meanwhile, beer fans will find a mix of local flavor and recognizable classics. Divebar proudly serves Wynwood Brewing Company’s La Rubia Blonde Ale and The Tank Brewing’s El Farito IPA, alongside crowd-pleasers like Modelo Especial, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra.

It’s a dynamic lineup that invites guests to sip at their own pace, discover new favorites, and create their own experience—no bar tab surprises, no waiting.

Divebar’s “Five at Dive” happy hour, running daily from 5 to 8 p.m., offers a compelling reason to stop by after sunset. Think $10 classic cocktails and wines, $6 beers, and a trio of gourmet small bites that punch well above their price point. Standouts include the smoked bacon deviled eggs, rosemary-roasted Marcona almonds, and roasted shishito peppers—each designed to pair effortlessly with whatever’s flowing from the taps.

Beyond cocktails, Divebar rounds out the experience with a compact yet thoughtful menu that balances indulgence with style. All-day dining kicks off after 10 a.m., featuring standout plates like the fig and gorgonzola flatbread ($18), cheeseburger croquettes with aji amarillo and bacon ($18), and a luxe burrata with blistered tomatoes and Calabrian chili oil ($28).

In the early hours, breakfast is served daily in Piola, the hotel’s on-site pizzeria, with highlights like shakshuka, avocado toast ($14), and Nutella babka with cinnamon butter ($6), alongside smoothies, bowls, and egg cups crafted Iberian or American-style.

Divebar’s appeal goes beyond the pour. With midcentury-inspired interiors, interactive technology, and a social-forward vibe, it fits seamlessly into the evolving identity of Hotel Continental, now reimagined as a boutique lifestyle hotel in the heart of Mid-Beach. It’s a natural meeting point for travelers, locals, and design enthusiasts who want more from their cocktail hour—a sense of play, personality, and polish.

And while the name may nod to a more casual era, Divebar is anything but basic. It’s where classic charm, smart innovation, and culinary precision come together—one ounce at a time.